If a noise survey has identified that noise exposure levels in your workplace exceed the lower or upper exposure action values, you have a clear legal obligation to take action. The specific steps required will depend on which thresholds have been exceeded, but the overall approach is guided by the hierarchy of noise control.

The first priority should always be to consider whether noise can be reduced at source. This might mean replacing noisy machinery with quieter alternatives, maintaining equipment so that it runs more quietly, introducing noise-reducing engineering controls such as enclosures or dampening materials, or reorganising work processes to reduce the time workers spend near noisy equipment. These engineering and organisational controls are always preferred over relying on hearing protection, because they reduce the noise that workers are exposed to rather than simply limiting the amount that reaches their ears.

If noise levels exceed the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A), you are also required to establish hearing protection zones — designated areas where hearing protection must be worn at all times. These zones must be clearly marked, and you must ensure that appropriate hearing protection is provided and that workers wear it whenever they are in those zones.

The type of hearing protection you provide matters. Not all ear defenders or earplugs provide the same level of protection, and you need to ensure that the protection you select is adequate to bring the noise reaching the worker's ear down to an acceptable level. At the same time, you should avoid over-protection — wearing hearing protection that provides far more attenuation than necessary can itself cause problems by preventing workers from hearing warning signals or communicating effectively.

You will also need to provide workers with information, instruction and training about the risks from noise, the results of the noise survey, the control measures in place, and how to use hearing protection correctly. Health surveillance — in the form of regular audiometric testing — is required for workers who are regularly exposed above the upper exposure action value.

LESH can advise you on the full range of actions required based on your survey results, and can support you in implementing an effective noise control programme.

Also see our H&S Support Packages